Prague Zoo staff provided tons of ice and cold water to polar bears Aleut and Gregor on Thursday, July 30, 2026 [1].
The measures were implemented to protect the animals from a European summer heatwave that raised temperatures in the Czech Republic. Because polar bears are biologically adapted for Arctic climates, extreme heat poses a significant risk to their health and well-being.
Zoo officials placed the ice directly into the bears' outdoor enclosure to create a chilled environment. This intervention allows the animals to regulate their body temperature by lounging on the frozen blocks, or swimming in cooled water [1], [2].
Beyond the immediate need for temperature control, the ice serves a secondary purpose for the animals' mental health. The tactile nature of the ice provides a way for the bears to interact with their environment in a way that mimics their natural habitat.
"The ice helps the bears to keep cool, but also offers some enrichment and stimulation," Filip Masek said [3].
The use of tons of ice [1] is a common strategy for zoological gardens managing Arctic species during peak summer months. By providing these cooling stations, the facility ensures that Aleut and Gregor remain active and comfortable despite the regional temperature spikes.
Staff continue to monitor the bears' behavior and the temperature of the enclosure to determine if additional cooling measures are necessary as the heatwave persists across Europe [2], [4].
“The ice helps the bears to keep cool, but also offers some enrichment and stimulation.”
The necessity of artificial cooling for Arctic animals in European zoos highlights the growing challenge of managing wildlife during increasingly frequent and intense summer heatwaves. These interventions are critical not only for physical survival but also for preventing behavioral stress in captive animals.
